Located 30 minutes north of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is a popular destination for retirees and families due to its small-town charm and abundance of Greek eateries. However, the city’s heavy reliance on cars has contributed to its share of the county’s 14,819 motor vehicle crashes in 2023, leading to 9,194 injuries and 109 deaths.
Being injured in a Tarpon Springs car accident can impact your life in many ways. You may experience pain, emotional trauma, ongoing disability, financial problems, and a host of other consequences.
Fortunately, if your accident was caused by someone else, you have the right to pursue a settlement under Florida law. Read this guide to learn more about the car accident claim-filing process in Tarpon Springs and how an attorney can help.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Filing an auto accident claim in Tarpon Springs generally involves the following steps.
- Document injuries and damages by taking pictures at the scene of the accident and keeping any medical documents like bills after getting treated for injuries.
- File a police report by contacting the police. They will file a report on your behalf, which you can access later.
- Notify your insurance company immediately, letting them know you were in a car accident. They’ll provide forms for filing your claim.
- Gather evidence, including crash photos, your police report, and medical documents. You’ll need these to support your claim.
- Seek legal advice from a car accident attorney. You can usually get a free case review, which will help you determine your next steps and whether to hire a lawyer.
- File your claim, along with all of your supporting evidence. If you hire a lawyer, they’ll likely file the claim on your behalf.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a Tarpon Springs car accident lawyer can result in more compensation and far less stress, among other benefits. In some cases, hiring an attorney can be critical.
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help you:
- Navigate complex legal issues
- Maximize compensation
- Help negotiate medical bills
- Protect your legal rights
Triple board-certified trial attorney Tommy D. Roebig explains, “You don’t need the most high-stakes case to benefit from hiring a car accident attorney. However, some situations make hiring an attorney especially important. For example, if you were badly injured, if the case involves multiple parties or business entities, or if the facts of the case are disputed.”
If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you deserve maximum compensation for your hardship. The experienced attorneys at Florin|Roebig have won record-breaking verdicts and settlements throughout Florida on behalf of their clients. Reach out today for a free case evaluation to see how you might benefit from working with a seasoned car accident attorney.
State Laws For Car Accident Cases
Tarpon Springs follows Florida state laws, Pinellas County laws, and local ordinances that can all shape the outcome of your car accident case.
Traffic Laws
Traffic laws sit at the heart of most car accident claims. Lawyers, insurance companies, and courts will all turn to evidence like cameras and witness testimonies to see if anyone involved in the accident broke a traffic law such as speeding or texting and driving. If someone breaks a law, it’s much easier to hold them responsible for the accident and compensation.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
Under the state’s no-fault law, all Florida-registered vehicles must have the following car insurance coverage:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers 80% (up to $10,000) of all “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses for an injury covered under the plan.
- Personal Damage Liability (PDL): PDL covers $10,000 of another driver’s vehicle or property damage in an accident if you’re at fault.
The No-fault System
The Florida no-fault system not only requires drivers to have certain insurance coverage—it requires them to use that coverage for any injuries after a car accident regardless of who’s at fault.
However, car accident victims can seek compensation from an at-fault driver for physical injuries, property damage, and more under some conditions.
Third-party car accident claims require injuries that cause at least one of the following:
- Severe and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Severe and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Legal Remedies Available To Accident Victims
Tarpon Springs car accident victims can seek compensation in a few ways.
- First-party personal injury claims: These are claims filed with your own insurer. They’re ideal for quick low-hassle coverage but are limited in what damages they cover and the monetary amount they grant.
- Third-party personal injury claims: These claims are filed against the at-fault party or, more commonly, their insurance company. They are usually harder to win but can lead to much more compensation for a wider array of damages.
- Personal injury lawsuits: If an insurance company refuses to offer the amount of compensation you think is fair, you may need to file a lawsuit with the Pinellas County civil court. This will usually get the insurance company to come to the table and settle but may result in the case going to trial, where a judge or jury will determine your compensation.
Liability In Car Accident Cases
Liability describes who’s legally responsible for compensation when someone is harmed in an accident.
Car accident cases in Tarpon Springs may use the following to help determine liability:
- Negligence: If one party is found to be far more negligent than any other party in a case, they’re generally liable for compensation.
- Strict liability: In some cases, an entity like a manufacturer may be liable even if they weren’t negligent and didn’t intend harm. This usually happens in car accident cases when the manufacturer’s car part malfunctions and contributes to an accident or makes the resulting harm worse.
- Vicarious liability: Sometimes the party in a case is liable due to the actions of someone else. This may happen when an employee causes an accident while on the job and the business is liable for a crash victim’s injuries.
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Understanding Consideration Of Negligence And Degree Of Fault
On March 24, 2023, Florida adopted a modified comparative negligence system, which has three main rules:
- Multiple parties can share fault for an accident.
- Your assigned percentage of fault decreases your total compensation by the same percentage.
- If you’re 51% at fault or higher, you can’t collect compensation at all.
Attorney Tommy Roebig explains, “If you were found 20% at fault for having one of your headlights out in low light conditions and your injuries amounted to $100,000 in damages, you’d only be awarded $80,000.”
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Despite its small-town feel, a car accident in Tarpon Springs can be as devasting as anywhere else, changing your life physically, financially, and emotionally in an instant.
Some common struggles after a car accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of intimacy with a spouse or partner
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Death of a loved one
Car accident resources in Tarpon Springs may include:
- Emergency services
- Tarpon Springs Police Department
- Medical care providers
- Insurance companies
- Therapy and support groups for accident survivors
- Victim advocacy services
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit community safety organizations
- Car accident attorneys
The compensation you receive from a car accident claim can play a vital role in your long-term recovery. Don’t leave money you need and deserve on the table. Florin|Roebig’s main office is mere minutes away from Tarpon Springs and we are standing by to help however you prefer to contact us with a free case evaluation.
What To Do After A Car Accident
Car accidents can be chaotic, painful, and scary, making it difficult or impossible to take action in the moment. However, a few best practices in the direct aftermath of an accident can help make your claim easier and more successful later.
After a car accident in Tarpon Springs:
- Check for injuries and if you’re hurt, seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact law enforcement to report the crash and get the police to file a report.
- Gather information that may be hard to get later, like the contact information of witnesses and others involved in the crash.
- Document the accident scene by taking videos and pictures.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Florin|Roebig is proud of its tireless dedication to getting its clients the compensation they truly deserve. Its seasoned attorneys have won over $1 billion in total compensation.
Florin Roebig car accident lawyers offer many services, including:
- Case evaluation
- Legal representation
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation support
Named one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in America since 2010 when the honor began, you can count on Florin|Roebig to deliver premium legal representation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Tarpon Springs?
Most car accident attorneys in Tarpon Springs charge 25-40% of your compensation. If you don’t get compensation, they won’t charge.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Tarpon Springs?
Most settlements range in the thousands or tens of thousands, but they vary considerably based on the details of your case. To get a realistic range for your case, contact a car accident lawyer.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Tarpon Springs?
It’s usually a good idea to hire a lawyer after a car accident, and it may be critical if you were badly injured or your case is in any way unusual or complicated. It’s absolutely best practice to seek a free consultation for more specialized advice.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Tarpon Springs
When you’re preparing to file a car accident claim, you should always consult an attorney who has experience in this practice area. At Florin|Roebig, we employ a team of seasoned professionals who have the knowledge and experience necessary to maximize your chances of success in court.
Our car accident lawyers serving clients in Tarpon Springs include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you are interested in seeking legal advice from our legal team, you can contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- For more information regarding our services and free consultations, you can email us at [email protected]
- You can also reach us at an office near you below.
Palm Harbor Office
Primary & Administrative Office
777 Alderman Road
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683
Visit us for a free consultation at our state-of-the-art trial and litigation center located on 6.2 lakefront and forested acres in the heart of North Pinellas County, Florida. Just on the outskirts of Tarpon Springs, it features a mock courtroom and an on-site trial exhibits production facility.
Filing a car accident claim without legal representation is not in your best interest. If you want to have the best possible chance of success in your case, you need a qualified attorney representing you from start to finish. To learn more about filing a car accident claim in Tarpon Springs or to begin the filing process, please contact the experts at Florin|Roebig today.
